19 Comments

I have never heard this story before. Thank for sharing us this important information. When I enlisted in the USMC in 1969, one of the things our drill instructors was that there was only one color in the Marines and that was green, the color of our uniform in boot camp and in Vietnam where we would be fighting. Semper Fi Marines.

❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

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I always enjoy starting my day with your history lessons, this one is quite remarkable, thank you!

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Such acts of bravery point to the intrinsic worth of every human being. Washington was man enough to recognize this and change his thinking. Yet another reason to be so very proud of our founding fathers.

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Very good read Tara. I never heard his name before thank you for bring him to our attention. Wish we knew more about him.

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It shows the excellent character of a great man who can reverse his actions and thinking, admit he was wrong and make it right. It takes a strong yet humble man or woman to do it. It seems likely that Salem Poor’s action and the resulting commendations by those that observed his bravery influenced Washington’s decision. You always add so many interesting details that shouldn’t be overlooked, Tara.

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This lesson speaks to freedom for all and Salem Poor wanted to serve his nation against British oppression now that he wasn't a slave. All unfree people want freedom. Thanks Tara.

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Another brave American recognized!

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Jul 10·edited Jul 10

Thank you for sharing this story. The events of the slave name " Salem Poor" had personal repercussions in my family. My 5th great grandfather Sgt.John Smith of Bristol Rhode Island was the First Sgt. of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. He was responsible for recruitment and training of the first black soldiers. As the first black regiment to serve in the American Revolution they fought in many major battles and proved themselves very capable and brave men.

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God bless all who have served or currently serve this great nation, including men such as Salem Poor. Mr. Poor must have been a very remarkable soldier during the Revolutionary War and it is unfortunate that his actions weren't fully documented. For him to likely be the catalyst to convince George Washington to reverse himself regarding black men as enlistees, he must have been outstanding.

Thank you Tara for another history lesson and another lesson that I don't believe I have heard before.

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Thank you for bringing this brave patriots contribution to greater light!

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Thank you, Tara, for this little known story of Slaves fighting for their freedom and freedom from a tyrannical government!

Interesting note about giving firearms to slaves?

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Thank you Salem Poor!

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🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

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Thank you, Tara.

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Thanks again Tara Ross! Another Great Story!

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🇺🇸 A marvelous story I hadn't heard before...thanks, TR 🇺🇲

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